Wed Jan 11 9:16am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Kittle can keep it going this week
More and more fantasy owners are playing in playoff leagues, and for good reason. They are a lot of fun contests and leagues out there these days. We run several on our site. Your fantasy leagues don’t have to come to an end because the regular season is over. I highly suggest getting involved in a league if you can. It is a great way to get your fantasy fix a little longer. Plus, there are a lot of interesting formats for leagues, giving you a different fantasy dynamic than during the regular season. So we’ll continue with this column throughout the playoffs, getting you ready for your games each week.
With that said, here are my random thoughts for the week. . . . .
I’m really excited to watch the Jaguars this weekend. They are a team on the rise with a lot of top young talent. It will be interesting to see how they play on the big stage. Trevor Lawrence was a little shaky last week, so I’m wondering how he handles things this weekend. These playoff games can vault a players confidence in a hurry. I’m hoping Lawrence comes up big and balls out, keeping his progress going forward.
It really seems like the knee injury Lamar Jacksons suffered is pretty serious and he is in real doubt to play this week. You also have to wonder if the contract situation is playing into this at all for Jackson. Maybe he doesn’t want to risk anything without a long-term deal signed. Who knows? Either way, the Ravens have next to no chance to win that game this weekend if Jackson can’t play.
Here is to hoping the Bears use that first round pick this year to get the help that Justin Fields needs. Their offensive line needs upgrades and the passing game needs a lot of help at receiver. Hopefully, they can turn that top pick into a lot more picks to get Fields help. This is a big offseason for the Bears. I will be anxious to see how they handle it all.
I really do wonder how much of a negative impact Nathaniel Hackett had on Russell Wilson. He sure looked like a different quarterback after Hackett was fired late in the year. Maybe we shouldn’t give up on him just yet. The Broncos do have a lot of weapons in the passing game, so Wilson has a high ceiling if he can get his game back. Wilson surely will be a polarizing fantasy figure next season. I might be in on him for the right price, though.
I’m having a hard time deciding on the representatives for the Super Bowl this year. The AFC is really tough with the Bills, Chiefs and Bengals as legit contenders to go all the way. And I even think the Chargers are talented enough to make a run. So I really think four teams could go the Super Bowl out of the AFC. The NFC isn’t quite as tough in my view, mainly because the Vikings and Cowboys are limping into the playoffs. That leaves the Eagles and 49ers as the obvious choices. And it is hard to bet against the 49ers right now with that team playing so well. The big concern for me is Brock Purdy. Can he make the big play if called upon? So I say this with little conviction, I will go with the Bills and Eagles as the winner of their conferences. We’ll see how that works out!
News and Notes: Reports are the Cardinals plan to trade receiver DeAndre Hopkins this offseason. He is getting older and has battled injury the last few seasons, but could be a big help to a receiver needy team. . . . .The Ravens signed linebacker Roquan Smith to a five-year, 100 million dollar extensions on Tuesday. Smith is now a mainstay in the Ravens defense for years to come.
HOT PLAYS
George Kittle, TE, 49ers. It took a little time but Kittle is red hot right now. He has touchdowns four straight games and multiple scores three of those games. And one of those games came against the Seahawks, who he plays this week. Kittle had four catches for 93 yards and two scores against the Seahawks in Week 15. Seattle has struggled against the tight end all year. The Seahawks allow the second most fantasy points to tight ends. Kittle is setup for a big game in this one.
Travis Etienne, RB, Jaguars. Etienne struggled his last game, rushing seven time for just 17 yards. but that was against a good Titans rush defense. He had at least 13 fantasy points three straight before last week. And Etienne had 100-yard rushing games two his last three before Week 18. He can get it going again this week against the Chargers. The Chargers allow the seventh most fantasy points to running backs and rank 28th overall against the rush.
Chris Godwin, WR, Bucs. Godwin topped 100 receptions for the first time in his career this season. And this was a year he was coming off a torn ACL and missed a couple games because of injury. He is clearly healthy and the top target in this passing game. He has at least five receptions 14 straight games. Look for him to keep it going in the Bucs playoff opener. The Cowboys have had issues stopping the pass, so look for Godwin to get a workout. Dallas allows the fifth most fantasy points to receivers.
COLD PLAYS
Dak Prescott, QB, Cowboys. Prescott is coming off arguably his worst game of the season. He was just 14-of-37 for 128 yards and a touchdown against the Commander last week. It was an alarming performance as the Cowboys head into the playoffs. And he plays a Bucs team on the road that is ninth overall against the pass to open things. It might be another long day for Prescott in this matchup.
Kenneth Walker, RB, Seahawks. Walker had a great rookie season, emerging as the lead back and producing big in that role. He had three straight 100-yard games to end his season. But the game before that streak was against the 49ers, a game he ran 12 times for just 47 yards. It might be more of the same this week against a very good San Francisco defense. The 49ers are second overall against the run and allow the fewest fantasy points to running backs this year.
Tua Tagovailoa or whoever plays QB for the Dolphins. Tagovailoa really cooled off down the stretch before his latest concussion. He had few than 20 fantasy points four of his last five games. He also plays the Bills this week, a team he scored about 33 fantasy points against in two games this year. Buffalo allows the fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks for the season. Tagovailoa or whoever starts for the Dolphins at quarterback this week is going to be a risk for fantasy owners.
SLEEPERS
Daniel Jones, QB, Giants. Jones quietly put together a very good season. He took a big step forward this year in an offense that really lacks weapons in the passing game. Despite that, Jones was 12th overall in fantasy quarterback scoring. He had 25-plus fantasy points two straight games to end his season and topped 20 points four of his last five. He has a great matchup to produce in his playoff debut. The Vikings have struggled against the pass all season, allowing the fifth most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Minnesota is just 31st overall against the pass, allowing 265.6-passing yards per game.
James Cook, RB, Bills. Cook has enjoyed a bit of an up and down rookie season, but is playing his best football right now. He has double-digit fantasy points three of his last five games. Don’t discount him to have a big game or two in the playoffs. You could see the Bills getting up big in this one, running out the clock late in the game. This could mean more touches for Cook, who might be playing better than Devin Singletary right now. The Dolphins are solid against the run but have allowed 15-rushing touchdowns this season, which also bodes well for Cook.
Richie James, WR, Giants. James has emerged as the top receiver for the Giants. He has at least seven receptions three of four games. He has topped 17 fantasy points three of those games. He also has at least 13 fantasy points five of seven. He is getting it done on a weekly basis. And he gets a bad Vikings secondary this week. Minnesota allows the second most fantasy points to receivers. James is setup to top double-digit fantasy points once again.
High/Low Scoring Games
Each week we will take a look at some of the high and low scoring games for the coming week. In high scoring affairs, get your marginal players on those teams in your lineup to take advantage of the possible points barrage. And in the low scoring games, keep those marginal players on the bench and make sure to have your defenses involved in those contests.
High Scoring Games: Chargers/Jaguars, Giants/Vikings.
Low Scoring Games: Cowboys/Bucs.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (hamstring) is expected to play on Sunday versus the New York Jets. The 21-year-old didn't practice on Thursday and was limited on Friday, resulting in a questionable designation. However, it doesn't appear as if he was in any real danger of missing the meeting with the Jets. Fannin is currently the team's top receiving option. In eight games, he's amassed 38 receptions (51 targets) for 352 yards and two touchdowns, making him a starting fantasy option in all formats, even with the expected return of Cedric Tillman (hamstring).
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman (hamstring) is expected to play in Week 10 against the Jets. The wideout appeared in only four games this season, amassing 11 receptions (20 targets) for 106 yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately, he injured his hamstring and has been sitting on the shelf for over a month. Tillman practiced in full everyday this week, so his activation from the Injured Reserve list on Saturday wasn't surprising. All things considered, it's unknown if he'll be limited in his first game back. However, Tillman's presence may be enough to lower the ceiling of Jerry Jeudy and David Njoku. That would apply to Harold Fannin Jr. (hamstring), who is also in line to suit up versus New York.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (hamstring) is expected to play in Sunday's game versus the New Orleans Saints. He showed up on Friday's injury report because of a hamstring issue, resulting in a questionable designation. Fortunately, it appears fantasy managers will have him out there in Week 10. The rookie has played well this season despite only scoring two touchdowns, amassing 41 catches (69 targets) for 558 yards, making him a viable fantasy option in any format for the favorable matchup with the Saints. His presence in the lineup could also make life easier for Bryce Young, who is coming off a rough showing in Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers.
From RotoBaller
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (groin) is anticipated to suit up on Sunday versus the New York Giants. The 26-year-old has been battling a groin injury for a few weeks. However, it finally kept him off the field for the Week 9 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Kyle Monangai handled nearly all of the snaps out of the backfield in that one, amassing 176 yards off 26 carries, adding three receptions for 22 yards. While Swift might lead the way in snaps at the position, it's hard to imagine Monangai going away after such a strong performance. Unfortunately, the backfield competition makes this situation hard to navigate from a fantasy standpoint. With that said, Swift still is worth starting in most fantasy formats for the favorable matchup with the Giants, although that may change in the weeks ahead.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (knee) is expected to play on Sunday versus the Cleveland Browns. The wideout injured his knee in the Week 6 loss to the Denver Broncos, keeping him off the field for the Jets' previous two games heading into the Week 9 bye. He practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday and Thursday. However, despite logging a full session on Friday, it still wasn't good enough to avoid a questionable tag. Fortunately, it appears Wilson will suit up, so he's anticipated to pick up right where he left off as the top target for quarterback Justin Fields. Of course, Wilson is a must-start in all fantasy formats, although his presence could mean less attention for Tyler Johnson, Isaiah Williams, Mason Taylor, and the recently acquired Adonai Mitchell, assuming he plays.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates projects as one of the top kicker options for Week 10's matchup against the Washington Commanders. Bates hasn't been quite as effective this season compared to last, however, making just nine of 13 attempts, but he has nailed all 30 of his extra points, which is the most in the league. His 69.2% field goal percentage ranks 31st out of 33 qualified kickers this season. The Lions attempt field goals at one of the lowest rates in the league, but Bates has still struggled to deliver in his limited opportunities. Bates should have plenty of opportunity for scoring in Week 10 against a Washington defense that hasn't shown itself capable of stopping anything recently.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin has been reliable again this season, making 17 of his 21 field goal attempts and converting 16 of 17 extra points. His 81% field goal percentage ranks just below the league average of 83.6% and is a sizable step down from last season's career best mark of 93.8%, which was third best in the league. The 29-year-old has been money on kicks from 50 yards or longer this season, drilling all eight of his attempts. No other kicker has made more than six. The eight field goals from 50 yards or more are already one shy of his career best mark set back in 2022. McLaughlin has solid streaming value in Week 10 against New England, which is one of the highest projected totals of the week.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins should lead the position group in snap share after Kayshon Boutte (hamstring) was ruled out for Sunday's Week 10 contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hollins played 63 percent of the snaps last week against the Atlanta Falcons, which led the team. With that being said, leading the team in snaps doesn't necessarily equate to more volume. Hollins should continue to get on the field often, but Stefon Diggs and DeMario Douglas will likely be Drake Maye's favorite targets in the passing game, along with tight end Hunter Henry. Hollins has been held to two or fewer catches in five of his last six games, with the lone exception being a seven-catch breakout in Week 8. He certainly has upside, but we're a bit wary of starting him in fantasy football given the inconsistency of New England's receivers as a whole. Diggs is the only Patriots wide receiver who should be started with confidence.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry is a solid fantasy football option heading into Sunday's Week 10 contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Henry's production has varied week by week this year, and it seems like both his breakouts and duds have come with no particular rhyme or reason. Still, fantasy managers should be intrigued by his steady volume and his role atop the depth chart. With wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (hamstring) ruled out, Henry could end up leading the team in targets and receptions on Sunday. Tampa Bay has surrendered the 11th-fewest fantasy points to tight ends in 2025, but they gave up five catches and 53 yards to Juwan Johnson in their most recent game. A similar (or better) stat line for Henry would certainly satisfy his fantasy managers. He ranks as a fringe top-12 fantasy tight end with a steady floor.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Kyle Williams could handle additional volume after Kayshon Boutte (hamstring) was ruled out for Sunday's Week 10 contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. We saw Williams get more involved last week after Boutte exited against the Atlanta Falcons. The rookie finished the game with a season-high (and, thus, career-high) 46 percent snap share, but he wasn't able to haul in his lone target. There's a strong chance that Williams plays more than half the snaps this week, but his exact volume is unclear. After all, he's still competing for targets with players like Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Hunter Henry, and Austin Hooper. Thus, while Williams should enjoy the greatest involvement of his young career, it's too early to lock him into fantasy lineups. He can be left on waivers in redraft leagues and stashed on the bench in dynasty formats.
From RotoBaller
The Washington Commanders elevated wide receiver Robbie Chosen from the practice squad ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Detroit Lions. Chosen signed with Washington's practice squad in early October as they dealt with and continue to deal with multiple injuries to their top wide receivers, with Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) and Noah Brown (groin) missing significant time, and now Luke McCaffrey (shoulder) is set to miss the remainder of the season. The 32-year-old journeyman appeared in one game for Washington this season in Week 7 against the Dallas Cowboys, where he recorded a team-high four catches (four targets) for 36 yards. Chosen still has the vertical speed to threaten defenses deep, and could make a splash play or two in Week 10 against a Lions defense that has allowed the seventh most passing touchdowns this season (16).
From RotoBaller
The Arizona Cardinals promoted running back Michael Carter to the active roster from the practice squad ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Carter was cut by the Cardinals the week leading into their Week 9 matchup against the Cowboys, but was quickly signed back to the practice squad soon thereafter. The 26-year-old has fallen out of favor after operating as Arizona's lead back in Week 5 against the Titans, when he handled 18 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown to go with five catches (five targets) for 22 yards. Carter has since fallen behind Bam Knight and Emari Demercado in the pecking order for touches and didn't play a single snap in Week 9 versus Dallas. It appears to be trending toward a two-man backfield in Week 10 against Seattle, but things could change. Carter can likely be left on the waiver wire.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas continues to be an unreliable fantasy option heading into Sunday's Week 10 contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While Douglas did catch four passes for 100 yards and a touchdown last weekend, he did so on a mere 24 percent snap share. Quite frankly, the 24-year-old capitalized on his opportunities when on the field. However, he has played fewer than one-third of the snaps in seven different games this year, and we haven't seen this type of explosive game from Douglas very often. He has just 18 catches, 262 yards, and three touchdowns, ranking as the overall WR55 in PPR leagues. Perhaps the biggest factor working in Douglas' favor is the absence of Kayshon Boutte (hamstring), but at the same time, that could lead to more opportunities for Stefon Diggs and Kyle Williams than for Douglas. A matchup against the Buccaneers, who have allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers, also doesn't work in Douglas' favor. He certainly has upside after last week's game and after Boutte was ruled out, but he also has a low floor with two or fewer catches in six of his nine games this season.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson hasn't seen much involvement in the offense in recent weeks. Last week, Wilson hauled in one of his two targets for four yards in the win over the Indianapolis Colts. It has been a bust of a season for Wilson outside of his 74-yard performance in Week 8. The 24-year-old seems to have decent potential, but doesn't see enough targets at the moment. He won't be a viable streaming option until the Steelers decide to get him more involved. Wilson is worth stashing in dynasty leagues, but isn't a recommended streaming option for Week 10.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson found the end zone for the first time this season during last week's win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Johnson rushed the ball twice for eight yards and a touchdown. He also hauled in both his targets for 12 yards through the air. There was some speculation that Johnson would see a larger role this weekend with James Cook (ankle) banged up. However, Cook won't carry an injury designation into the Week 10 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Johnson figures to resume his backup role which is only a few carries per game. That being said, Johnson should only be viewed as a touchdown-dependent option for Week 10.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots running back Terrell Jennings will likely remain involved in the team's offensive game plan after Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) was ruled out for Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. TreVeyon Henderson will still lead the backfield, but Jennings should carve out a role, just like he did last week against the Atlanta Falcons when he played 25 percent of the snaps, touched the ball 12 times, and scored a touchdown. The trip to the end zone salvaged his fantasy performance, and he'd likely need to score again this week to have meaningful fantasy value. With a touchdown far from guaranteed, especially in the backup role, Jennings can be left on the bench in leagues with 14 or fewer teams.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell hasn't been able to make much of an impact lately. Last week, Gainwell rushed three times for -1 yards, while hauling in four of his five targets for 35 yards through the air in the win over the Indianapolis Colts. Gainwell has taken a backseat to Jaylen Warren in the backfield this season. The only time Gainwell had solid value was the week that Warren didn't play. Outside of that, Gainwell has seen minimal role on offense. Gainwell figures to see a handful of carries and a few targets in the receiving game. He won't carry viable fantasy value in Week 10 unless it's a high PPR league.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs has seen low volume while playing just over 50 percent of the snaps lately, but he has still been able to achieve fantasy relevance with a touchdown in each of his last two games. In addition to his two-game touchdown streak, he has double-digit fantasy points (PPR) in three consecutive contests. He'll look to build on both streaks during Sunday's Week 10 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The veteran wide receiver could see his target share and snap share both increase in Week 10 with Kayshon Boutte (hamstring) sidelined. Diggs ranks as a low-end WR2 against the Bucs, who have allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers in 2025.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch has been a non-factor on offense throughout most of the season. Last week, Dortch wasn't targeted at all during their win over the Dallas Cowboys. He rushed the ball once, but hasn't finished with more than 10 receiving yards in a single game since Week 5. It's tough to imagine Dortch having much success right now given his place on the depth chart. The 27-year-old won't be a viable option for Week 10 with a majority of the Cardinals wideouts healthy.
From RotoBaller
Arizona Cardinals kicker Chad Ryland has been a sneaky solid option over the last few weeks. In fact, Ryland hasn't missed a kick since missing a 57-yard try against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3. The 26-year-old has made five kicks in each of his last three games. Ryland is flying under the radar right now, but has been one of the more consistent kickers in the league this season. He's not a top option at his position, but is well worth a look as a streaming option for fantasy managers seeking a kicker for Week 10.
From RotoBaller